01
anschließen
to connect
To technically connect a device to a power source or another device.
example
Kannst du bitte den Drucker an den Computer anschließen?
Can you please connect the printer to the computer?
anschließen
to connect / to join
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Separable verb
'Anschließen' (to connect / to join) is a separable verb with the prefix 'an-'. In a main clause, 'an' comes at the end. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Ich schließe den Laptop an den Strom an.
I connect the laptop to the power supply.
Meaning of the prefix
The prefix 'an-' expresses a form of connection or addition in all meanings: a technical connection, chaining or locking something up, agreeing with an opinion, or linking up in time.
EXAMPLE
Schließen Sie sich unserer Gruppe an und entdecken Sie die Stadt.
Join our group and discover the city.
Preposition and case
When connecting a device, you use the structure 'etwas (Akkusativ) an etwas (Akkusativ) anschließen' (to connect something to something). Here, the preposition 'an' takes the accusative because a direction or goal of the action is being described.
EXAMPLE
Schließ bitte die Lampe an die Steckdose an.
Please connect the lamp to the outlet.
Reflexive with dative
When you agree with an opinion or join a group, the verb is reflexive ('sich anschließen'). The opinion or group that you join or agree with is in the dative.
EXAMPLE
Dieser Argumentation kann ich mich nicht anschließen.
I cannot agree with this line of argument.
Sentence structure for sequence
To describe a temporal or spatial sequence, the sentence often begins with 'An...'. The verb then moves to position 2, and the separable prefix comes at the end.
EXAMPLE
An den Vortrag schließt sich eine Fragerunde an.
A Q&A session follows the lecture.
Compare with
anschließen vs folgen
to follow
'folgen' and 'sich anschließen' can both express that something comes after something else. 'folgen' is very general: a person walks behind another person, or one event comes after another. 'sich anschließen' often sounds as if something is directly attached to something else, either in time or in space. Learners may confuse the words because both describe a sequence. 'folgen' is broader and also fits movement behind someone. 'sich anschließen' fits better when one part directly follows on from the previous part, for example a discussion after a meeting.
anschließen
An die Präsentation schließt sich eine kurze Fragerunde an.
The presentation will be followed by a short Q&A session.
folgen
Bitte folgen Sie mir, ich zeige Ihnen den Besprechungsraum.
Please follow me; I'll show you the meeting room.
In real life
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